Bandcamp

Bandcamp (Bandcamp) is an online music platform and marketplace that allows artists to upload, promote, and sell their music directly to fans. It was founded in 2008 and has become especially popular among independent musicians, small labels, and niche genres that don’t always get visibility on mainstream streaming services. At its core, Bandcamp combines elements of a music streaming service, an online store, and a fan community. Artists can upload their tracks or full albums in high-quality formats and set their own prices. They can offer music for free, set a fixed price, or allow fans to pay more than the minimum (a “pay-what-you-want” model). In addition to digital downloads, artists can also sell physical items like vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, and merchandise such as T-shirts. One of Bandcamp’s defining features is its artist-first approach. Unlike many streaming platforms that pay artists very little per stream, Bandcamp gives a large share of revenue directly to creators. Typically, artists receive around 80–85% of sales revenue, which is significantly higher than most other platforms. This has made it a preferred choice for independent creators who want more control over their income and distribution. For listeners, Bandcamp offers a discovery-driven experience. Users can explore music by genre, tags, or curated lists. There’s a strong emphasis on editorial content and community recommendations, helping fans find new and emerging artists. Once music is purchased, fans can stream it via the Bandcamp app or download it in various formats like MP3, FLAC, or WAV.